A qualitative study of the knowledge, behaviour and attitudes of patients with skin cancer regarding sunlight exposure and vitamin D

Abstract

A qualitative study of the knowledge, behaviour and attitudes of patients with skin cancer regarding sunlight exposure and vitamin D Accepted ArticleThis article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. AbstractBackground Solar UVR is a major cause of skin cancer but also an important source of vitamin D (VitD), essential for musculoskeletal health. Conflicting public health messages may confuse skin cancer patients prone to further skin cancer.Objective To explore the knowledge, behaviour and attitudes of skin cancer patients to sunlight exposure and VitD sources.Methods Patients (n=10) previously treated for multiple basal cell cancer in a hospital setting, participated in focus group sessions with semi-structured discussions to explore:knowledge of VitD, sun-avoidance behaviour, and attitude towards sunlight exposure messages. Thematic data analysis was performed using software programme MAXQDA11.

A qualitative study of knowledge, behaviour and attitudes regarding vitamin D acquisition among patients with photosensitivity disorders

“…Lack of knowledge of vitamin D‐rich food sources was particularly evident with many patients wrongly believing that a “healthy diet” of meat, fruit and vegetables could provide adequate vitamin D. Furthermore, while many patients related vitamin D with bone health, awareness of the effects of vitamin D deficiency was limited to occurrence of rickets in childhood. This was also found in our previous study 19 and is likely due to the emphasis the media puts on rickets in relation to vitamin D deficiency. The lack of knowledge of complications that arise from vitamin D deficiency in adulthood may explain why few patients in our study had pre‐existing concern about their vitamin D status and its impact on their health.…”

“…Our finding of substantial variation in the quality and depth of vitamin D knowledge is in line with findings from studies of other patient groups and the general population, 18,20‐22 including our study of patients with skin cancer which used an identical study design and similar topic guide 19 . Lack of knowledge of vitamin D‐rich food sources was particularly evident with many patients wrongly believing that a “healthy diet” of meat, fruit and vegetables could provide adequate vitamin D. Furthermore, while many patients related vitamin D with bone health, awareness of the effects of vitamin D deficiency was limited to occurrence of rickets in childhood.…”

“…This follows the “perceived susceptibility” dimension of the health belief model, 26 with patients considering the risk of photosensitivity to be greater than the risk, and potential negative health consequences, of vitamin D deficiency. This mirrors our findings in skin cancer patients who perceived the risk of developing further skin cancers through sunlight exposure to be greater than their risk of vitamin D deficiency, and they therefore practised photoprotective behaviours 19 . Consequently, the majority of patients with photosensitivity were unable to meet guidelines for healthy people regarding sunlight exposure and vitamin D, further highlighting the need for targeted, unambiguous information specifically directed to this group.…”

“…Patients participated in focus groups comprising individuals with the same photosensitivity disorder with individual group sizes approximating those suggested to be optimal for focus group research 16 . The format and topic guide were based on those used previously for different ethnicity groups 18 and patients with skin cancer 19 . Discussions lasted 45‐60 minutes, were facilitated by a trained researcher and were digitally recorded.…”

Sunscreen Use among a Population of Saudi University Students

“…Sun exposure has both beneficial and harmful effects as the main source of vitamin D and a major cause of skin cancer, respectively [1]. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of these effects.…”